Prof. Kolapo Olusola has charged Ekiti youths to be more involved in the decision making of the state than being used by political merchants, adding that no political thug has ever benefited reasonably after the election. Even, the so-called benefits are short-lived and lack sustainability.
The former Deputy Governor and PDP’s governorship candidate in the 2018 election, made this known today while addressing Young Stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).
The historic Youth Conference which was powered by Independent Democratic Elite Association (IDEA), in conjunction with PDP Young Stakeholders at Ado Ekiti, attracts hundreds of PDP youths from the sixteen Local Governments of the state.
Addressing the youths, the University Don said the conference is timely and inevitable, giving its nature to bring intellectually agile youths together to discuss governance and how they can contribute their quotas to the development of Ekiti.
“The mantra “youths are the leaders of tomorrow” is outdated. It must be stressed that the tomorrow is now, not the future. I have recognized this fact early in life and I have devoted a major part of my life to help youths realize their potentials. It is important to say that, a government without the involvement of reasonable numbers of youths will lack advanced innovations”
Youths’ involvement in politics should not be in a destructive way but should be based on creativity and resourcefulness. This however places a burden of responsibility on the youths to display the creativity, character and integrity needed to be involved in decision making.
Eleka said there will be a paradigm shift in governance in Nigeria and most importantly in Ekiti if the youths show the readiness to participate actively and are ready to contribute positively, rather than helping in destroying the already fragile system.
“The recent bye-election in Ekiti East which claimed some lives was a shame and bereft of the tenets of democracy. Youths should hold the government accountable, not making themselves available as pawns on the chessboard of politicians”
Calling on Ekiti youths to mobilize massively for the ongoing voters’ registration, Eleka said statistically and with empirical facts, youths play pivotal roles in the electioneering process of any election.
“I want to charge those who are yet to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), to maximize the opportunity of the ongoing Voters’ registration at their various constituencies, Eleka said.
As an individual and leader, I am irrevocably committed to the words of President Franklin Roosevelt – ” _We cannot always build the future for our youths, but we can build our youths for the future_ “. Hence, I look forward to supporting you always in ensuring the realization of your God-given talents, potentials and ideas for the socio-economic development of our dear state and our country.
